09-22-2007, 05:02 PM
Ok folks, here's a little tidbit of info that can save you mucho buckos.
I have around 11 of those little digital hygrometers (no, I'm not anal like Rob-well, maybe I am but that's not why I have 11... I used to have 9 humidors(and actually have 9 again)... Anyway, all but one of these little gems takes a button cell battery known at radio shack as the 357. A 1.5 volt button cell. It runs around $5.50
I don't know if you guys know this, but the vast reason for the variety of button cells is simply size. They are all mostly electronically equivalent with some capacity (life) exceptions.
Here's where you can save some scratch.
Hearing aid batteries, model 657 run 5 per pack for $6. Yes, that's about $1.20 each or around 1/5th the price. And they are exactly the same size as the 357 but are not electronically equivalent. However, they are close enough. They are .1 volt less. If this concerns anyone, you should not be. Less voltage is actually gentler on the electronics-it will push slightly less amps. So what does this less voltage mean? Well, I got around 1 month less life form the 657 than I get from the 357. 10 months compared to 11 (this is an average as I have so many of these things and few are alike).
So, if your hygrometer takes button cell 357 go get yourself a package of hearing aid batteries (657) and save some $.
I have around 11 of those little digital hygrometers (no, I'm not anal like Rob-well, maybe I am but that's not why I have 11... I used to have 9 humidors(and actually have 9 again)... Anyway, all but one of these little gems takes a button cell battery known at radio shack as the 357. A 1.5 volt button cell. It runs around $5.50
I don't know if you guys know this, but the vast reason for the variety of button cells is simply size. They are all mostly electronically equivalent with some capacity (life) exceptions.
Here's where you can save some scratch.
Hearing aid batteries, model 657 run 5 per pack for $6. Yes, that's about $1.20 each or around 1/5th the price. And they are exactly the same size as the 357 but are not electronically equivalent. However, they are close enough. They are .1 volt less. If this concerns anyone, you should not be. Less voltage is actually gentler on the electronics-it will push slightly less amps. So what does this less voltage mean? Well, I got around 1 month less life form the 657 than I get from the 357. 10 months compared to 11 (this is an average as I have so many of these things and few are alike).
So, if your hygrometer takes button cell 357 go get yourself a package of hearing aid batteries (657) and save some $.